Chapter 125

Alexander Hamilton strode out of the ward without looking back. Annabelle Taylor stumbled from the sudden push, her face flashing with humiliation.

She quickly composed herself and smiled at Simon Stapleton. "Alexander is always like this when he's focused on work."

Simon immediately agreed. "Mr. Hamilton is incredibly driven. No wonder he's achieved so much at such a young age."

"You're not so bad yourself."

"I could never compare to Mr. Hamilton."

Annabelle shot Evelyn Carter a meaningful glance. "At least you were admitted to Peking University on merit, unlike those who had to grind their way into medical school."

Evelyn ignored the barb. She turned to Olivia Lightfoot. "Natalie Stapleton needs continued fetal preservation treatment. Monitor her closely these next few days."

"Understood."

"Let's move to the next ward."

"Wait—" Mrs. Stapleton blocked Evelyn's path. "You still haven't told us the baby's gender."

"Fetal sex identification is prohibited by hospital policy."

"Rules are made to be broken. Can't you make an exception?"

"My apologies. It's the regulation."

Mrs. Stapleton stamped her foot in frustration. "You doctors and your inflexibility! Our Stapleton family needs a male heir!"

Olivia interjected, "A daughter would still carry your family's bloodline."

"What do you know?" Mrs. Stapleton turned to Annabelle. "Mrs. Hamilton, surely you understand?"

Annabelle positioned herself in the doorway, her pregnant belly prominent. "This trivial matter? I'll handle it."

Mrs. Stapleton brightened. "Exactly! Surely the hospital would honor Mrs. Hamilton's request?"

Evelyn smiled coolly. "This hospital answers to public health codes, not the Hamiltons. I follow protocol."

"How dare—"

"Olivia, let's go."

Evelyn headed straight for the lab after leaving the ward.

"Dr. Carter, aren't we continuing rounds?"

"Natalie's urinalysis comes first. Her elevated glucose levels require ruling out gestational diabetes."

At the lab, the results weren't ready yet.

As Evelyn waited by the window, rapid footsteps approached from behind.

Annabelle stormed in, fury radiating from her. "You will tell me that baby's sex today!"

"Not happening."

"I promised Mrs. Stapleton. Don't make me force your hand."

Evelyn met her glare. "Your promises are your problem."

Annabelle leaned in, her whisper venomous. "How long before the entire hospital knows you seduce married men? Let's see how many pregnant women still want your— Ah!"

A splash of liquid hit her face.

"Have you lost your mind?!" Annabelle wiped her cheek, recoiling at the odor. "What is this?"

Evelyn pointed to the lab window's sign: Urine Sample Collection.

"Tit for tat."